Oakland Park Names

Interim City Manager

Ex-pines Manager To Fill Post During Search

OAKLAND PARK — Retired Pembroke Pines City Manager Woodward "Woody" Hampton was named interim manager on Wednesday by the City Council.

Hampton will replace City Manager James McFellin, who resigned this week after working less than four months.

McFellin agreed not to leave City Hall until May 3 or when Hampton can take over. Hampton, who has 30 years of experience in city management, is expected to start April 28.

Hampton is no stranger to Oakland Park. He served as interim city manager for nine months after the council fired then-City Manager John Kelly in March 1993.

Toward the end of his first stint as interim manager, Hampton came under criticism from some council members for doing political favors for Mayor Raymond Finn.

Hampton recommended Finn to Pembroke Pines when he applied there as a firefighter. Finn didn't get the job, but was later hired as a code enforcement officer.

Council members also said Hampton was responsible for placing an engineering firm owned by Deerfield Beach Mayor Al Capellini, a friend of Finn's, on a list of engineering subcontractors who could be used in future projects.

"Woody wasn't my first choice [as interim manager)," said council member Steve Arnst, saying he was concerned about the favoritism Hampton showed Finn. "I just hope that doesn't reoccur. You've got to treat everyone fairly. You can't be doing favors for people."

The last time Oakland Park hired a city manager, the city used an executive search firm. Arnst said he didn't think a firm would be be used this time.

Council member Layne Dallett Walls wants the council to invite Richard Black, a retired city manager, to advise the city on how it should hire a new manager.

Black is expected to meet with the council Wednesday.

McFellin, hired in January, resigned on Monday after losing the support and confidence of council members, who said he wasn't providing the leadership they expected. McFellin, however, blamed the council for not supplying him with any direction.

McFellin, whose annual salary was $65,000, said he was surprised by the personal animosity among council members and between the council and some residents.